seismograph

[ sahyz-muh-graf, -grahf, sahys- ]
/ ˈsaɪz məˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf, ˈsaɪs- /

noun

any of various instruments for measuring and recording the vibrations of earthquakes.

Origin of seismograph

First recorded in 1855–60; seismo- + -graph

OTHER WORDS FROM seismograph

seis·mo·graph·ic [sahyz-muh-graf-ik, sahys-] /ˌsaɪz məˈgræf ɪk, ˌsaɪs-/, seis·mo·graph·i·cal, adjective

Words nearby seismograph

seismic waves, seismicity, seismism, seismo-, seismogram, seismograph, seismography, seismol., seismology, seismometer, seismonasty

Example sentences from the Web for seismograph

British Dictionary definitions for seismograph

seismograph
/ (ˈsaɪzməˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) /

noun

an instrument that registers and records the features of earthquakes. A seismogram (ˈsaɪzməˌɡræm) is the record from such an instrument Also called: seismometer

Derived forms of seismograph

seismographic (ˌsaɪzməˈɡræfɪk), adjective seismographer (saɪzˈmɒɡrəfə), noun seismography, noun

Scientific definitions for seismograph

seismograph
[ sīz′mə-grăf′ ]

An instrument that detects and records vibrations and movements in the Earth, especially during an earthquake. Most seismographs employ a pendulum mounted within a rigid framework and connected to a mechanical, optical, or electromagnetic recording device. When the Earth vibrates or shakes, inertia keeps the pendulum steady with respect to the movements of the frame, producing a graphic record of the duration and intensity of the Earth's movements. Separate instruments are needed to record the north-south horizontal, east-west horizontal, and vertical components of a tremor. By comparing the records produced by seismographs located in three or more locations across the Earth, the location and strength of an earthquake can be determined.